National Development, a leading real estate investment, development and management company, is seeking a part-time Events & Engagement Manager to join our team in Newton, MA. We’re looking for an energetic, creative and highly organized professional who will lead the planning and execution of company events and employee engagement initiatives for National Development and Cranshaw Construction.
This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role with a meaningful opportunity to shape the employee experience and strengthen our company culture. Through events, employee programs, communications and other important employee touchpoints, this individual will help create experiences that bring people together, foster connection and reflect our company values. The Manager will oversee a wide range of initiatives, from large company-wide celebrations and volunteer activities to smaller employee programs, new employee gatherings.
This role reports to the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications and works closely with Human Resources and colleagues across National Development and Cranshaw Construction.
As Manager, Events & Employee Engagement, Your Essential Responsibilities Include:
- Lead the planning and execution of National Development and Cranshaw Construction company events, including annual social events, volunteer activities, community initiatives and other company gatherings.
- Develop and manage the annual company events calendar and overall events budget, coordinating timin and resources across departments and identifying opportunities to strengthen employee engagement
- throughout the year.
- Lead event logistics from concept through completion, including venue selection, food and beverage, entertainment, décor, signage, audiovisual needs, photography and day-of coordination.
- Source and manage relationships with venues, caterers, entertainment providers and other event vendors, including negotiating pricing and contracts and ensuring vendors meet company expectations.
- Partner with Human Resources to execute employee-focused programs and initiatives, including new employee gatherings, wellness and awareness programs, employee recognition and other opportunities that support engagement, connection and wellbeing.
- Develop and coordinate internal communications for company events and employee programs, including invitations, announcements, registration materials and reminders, ensuring they are engaging, professional and consistent with company culture and brand.
- Help shape the employee experience by ensuring events, programs and communications reinforce National Development and Cranshaw Construction’s culture and values and create meaningful opportunities for employees to connect with one another and the organization.
- Recruit, organize and guide employee volunteers who participate in event planning, providing direction and support while encouraging employees to contribute their own ideas, creativity and ownership.
- Support National Development and Cranshaw Construction’s Heart of Gold Fund by developing creative fundraising initiatives and incorporating opportunities for employee participation into company events and programming.
- Coordinate employee branded merchandise programs in partnership with Human Resources and Marketing & Communications, ensuring they are thoughtfully executed and consistent with company brand standards.
- Capture and develop social media content around company events, employee activities, charitable initiatives and community engagement for platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube, working with Marketing & Communications to ensure content aligns with company messaging and brand standards.
- Continually bring fresh ideas to company events and employee programs, identifying new experiences and opportunities that keep programming creative, engaging and relevant.
You Create Value by:
Creating experiences and programs that bring people together, strengthen our culture and help employees feel connected to one another and to National Development and Cranshaw Construction. Through thoughtful planning, creative ideas, engaging communications and exceptional execution, you help translate our company values into experiences employees can see and feel. You bring energy and creativity to the moments that shape the employee experience, from welcoming new employees to company-wide celebrations, volunteer activities and everyday opportunities for connection.
What You Bring to Us:
- 5+ years of professional experience in event management, employee engagement, corporate communications, hospitality, marketing or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience planning and executing events of varying sizes and formats from concept through completion.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple events, deadlines, vendors and priorities simultaneously.
- Experience developing and managing event budgets and negotiating with vendors.
- A creative mindset and enthusiasm for developing experiences that are engaging, thoughtful and memorable.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships and enthusiasm across different teams and levels of an organization.
- A collaborative leadership style that can provide structure and direction to employee volunteers while encouraging their ideas, participation and ownership.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to delivering polished, professional experiences.
- Ability to remain calm, flexible and solutions-oriented when plans change or unexpected issues arise.
- Experience managing professional or corporate social media accounts, including content development, posting and community engagement, preferred.
- Basic photography, video editing, Canva or other content creation experience is a plus.
- Ability to attend occasional events outside regular business hours.
What We Bring You:
At National Development, we believe our greatest asset is our people. We are deeply committed to the health and wellbeing of our team and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to help every employee thrive personally and professionally. Our benefits take into consideration everything from career development to family matters, health and wellness, and future planning:
- Comprehensive and affordable health, dental and vision plans
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Plans (Medical & Dependent Care)
- Employee Assistance Program
- Company-matched 401K
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Robust paid time-off benefits with PTO, sick time and 13 paid holidays
National Development is proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and encourages all qualified candidates to apply. We do not discriminate against employees or prospective employees based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or military status.